You can't help everyone you see, or even half the people you see, and still have the time and resources to help yourself. What's important is to know what you're comfortable with doing, why you're comfortable with it: Personally, I will buy or give food, but never give money.
Sometimes, when asked for money, I will offer to walk with them to get them food instead.
Sometimes I remember that I'm pinching pennies on damn-near everything, to have just one more month's rent, just one more week of food, and have that much longer for my company to succeed. So I shrug and tell them the truth: "Sorry, right now I don't have an income either."
Sometimes "Zombie By The Cranberries By Andrew Jackson Jihad" starts playing in my head and I'm too lost in thought to prepare a response in advance. By the time we cross paths and they say something, I end up genuinely startled and its awkward for everyone.
I also don't have a point to make. Like you, this kind of thing makes me feel bad, and I just need to vent about it for a moment. At least we both can be sure our sense of sympathy is functional.
I agree. If someone asks for food, you know that they are hungry (they can't turn around and sell the food for profit). However, if they ask for money, you don't really know what their needs are.
My mother works at a seasonal food bank that provides meals in the winter and I think that's one of the best services we can provide for people that cannot provide for themselves. Food is also relatively less expensive than other aids, such as rent controlled housing.
Sometimes, when asked for money, I will offer to walk with them to get them food instead.
Sometimes I remember that I'm pinching pennies on damn-near everything, to have just one more month's rent, just one more week of food, and have that much longer for my company to succeed. So I shrug and tell them the truth: "Sorry, right now I don't have an income either."
Sometimes "Zombie By The Cranberries By Andrew Jackson Jihad" starts playing in my head and I'm too lost in thought to prepare a response in advance. By the time we cross paths and they say something, I end up genuinely startled and its awkward for everyone.
I also don't have a point to make. Like you, this kind of thing makes me feel bad, and I just need to vent about it for a moment. At least we both can be sure our sense of sympathy is functional.